"The Barbican"

No. 7 - December 1935

From the Bradshaw Family Collection - Edited by Maurice Hobden

HIS
is the seventh issue of the Barbican appearing
in late 1935 covering the events from April to October 1935.
These extracts are from the copy that survived for 70+ years in
Mr Bradshaw's private collection of School memorabilia. It has
come into our hands from the Bradshaw family who have donated his
collection of such material to the Old Lewesians.

Here we can see that the School is getting into a higher gear.
Now completing its fifth year, many of Mr Bradshaw's ambitions
are beginning to get established. Not only are there more pupils
but the standards are rising. The first Oxford entrant, the
swimming pool completed against all expectations, successful
fetes that raise surprising amounts of money, summer camps in
Germany where our boys meet the boys that they will be fighting
within a few years. Little do they realise that the mutual
goodwill will soon be fanned to hatred by the propaganda machines
of the modern state. It seems to be the fate of the human race
that this evil has to be revisited by each generation to taste
the bitter fruit. We never learn.

But it has to be said that NRB is succeeding in his plan to
produce a first class school where others, less ambitious and
more cautious, would probably not. The secret of his success is,
to this day, still something of a mystery. Perhaps, one day we
may learn the secret ingredient that drove him.

Extracts from the Barbican

THE BARBICAN

NUMBER SEVEN

The Magazine Of
The Lewes County School
For Boys

December 1935

EDITORIAL

As we are quite sure that nobody in his right senses reads the
editorial, it would not seem to matter what is said therein. Our
ravings and grumblings in it are unknown to the masses. They see
the notice and think that trespassers will be persecuted. Like
the Levite, they see the wounded man, and pass by on the other
side. Nevertheless we will cry with our still small voice on the
off-chance that someone may be eavesdropping.

As the seventh number of "The Barbican" is filled with reports
of the Summer Term's activities, we would urge contributors both
of official and original matter to send in the results of their
labours at the end of the term, and not half way through the
next. This would enable each Magazine, containing a term's
activities, to be published as soon as possible in the next
term.

This time, too, there has been no glut of original
contributions. The junior forms, in particular, made little
effort. Nor has the call for humorous articles and short stories
been answered. Yet there are many humorists about. There are
many, too, capable of spinning a good yarn.

Having now proclaimed the troubles of an aggrieved editor - do
not attempt to deny that the editor wrote this (but, be it
whispered, only after the usual head-strain and pen-eating common
to all that battered race) - we will proceed to say something
about the events of the past term.

Cynics and unbelievers were confounded when the Swimming Bath
was opened and a successful fete cleared off the debt on it. Some
critics were also amazed when we camped in Germany and enjoyed
ourselves more than we had ever done before. Other people, just
incredulous this time, were astounded when the Examination
results came out. They bought two papers to make sure.

We should like to take this opportunity of extending a hearty
welcome to the new members of the Staff, Mr. Stripe, Mr. Smith,
Mr. Swinbank and Mr. Gillam. We wish them every happiness in
their work. We should also like to say here how sorry we are that
Mr. Georges and Mr. Stevens have left us. We wish them both every
happiness, the former in his retirement, the latter at his new
post. We are glad to say that Mr. Dolden, who also left us last
term, will be back next year.

HOUSE NOTES

Another School Year has ended, and we must once again look
back and survey our triumphs and defeats. Altogether we have had
a successful year, the most successful with regard to sport in
the history of the House, for if we had won our last Cricket
match, we should have won the Games Shield.

With regard to work, however, there are still several boys in
the House who are not pulling their weight. These same boys are
responsible every fortnight for marks lost in the competition for
the Work Shield. I urge the boys concerned and everybody else to
do their best during the coming year and to make Lewes House a
really serious contestant for the shield, for as yet we have
never been within challenging distance of the winners. However,
all those Lewes boys who passed their School Certificate
Examination must be congratulated upon their success.

When the Cricket season opened we anticipated that we should
have an almost impregnable first eleven, while the second and
third elevens would not be on an equal footing with the teams of
the other Houses. By the end of the season we were pleasantly
surprised by the fact that neither of the latter had lost a match
! whereas the first eleven had won only one and lost two matches.
The variable form of our first team is shown by the fact that
they defeated Seahaven, the actual winners of the Games Shield,
who beat Martlets, who in their turn, contrary to expectation,
defeated us. We were also defeated by Uckfield in the last match
of the season. We commenced this game full of hope, for if we had
won, we should have tied with Seahaven for the Games Shield.
Unluckily our expectations were not fulfilled, for we lost by two
runs. Congratulations to the third eleven for winning all their
matches. The second eleven, too, did well in not losing a game,
although they were lucky to have drawn against Martlets.

These results, which can be seen in a table at the end of the
House Notes, although not excellent, are certainly very
creditable, and indicate the growing team-spirit which must be
present if we are to be successful in the future.

The House must be congratulated on retaining the Swimming Cup,
for although in former years we undoubtedly had the advantage of
the Lewes Town Baths for practice, this year, by the completion
of our own School Baths, the other Houses had just the same
facilities. By the resistance they offered us as compared or
rather contrasted with other years, it can be seen that they have
taken full advantage of the "place of Swimminge." The performance
of the House was also more creditable, as it must be remembered
that the boys who did most to win the Cup previously, have now
left, and that all the junior and some of the senior swimmers are
boys who have not competed for their House in former years.

However, we must not rest on our laurels. In the next summer
season we must still strive to improve our swimming and diving,
so that not only shall we retain the Cup, but also lower the
present records.

Before us we have the Rugger season, and our prospects are as
bright as they have ever been. A brief glance at the House List
seems to suggest that we shall have a strong scrum, but our
players would be spurred on to better efforts by a little more
support.

However, we can do no more than play our hardest with a will
to win and then, if we do fail, we shall at least have made a
struggle worthy of our reputation.

Last year, I think, was an improvement on previous
achievements, except perhaps in the Cross-Country Cup in which we
finished last. The issue of the Games Competition was in doubt up
to our last first eleven Cricket match against Seahaven.
Unfortunately, they beat us comfortably and we had to be content
with second place. This, however, must be reversed during the
coming year, and although we shall miss Rutherford, our former
captain, in every branch of our activities, I think our prospects
are as bright as last year. Fortunately we have not had many
senior members of the House leave, so that we are not weakened in
our first team. A hearty welcome is given to all the new boys,
and it is hoped that they will try hard both in work and play to
do credit to the House.

As regards the Work Shield, last year we finished in the third
place again. This is not nearly good enough, and this year we
must try and overhaul the Houses in front of us and win the
Competition, as we did in the first two years.

Since the time of writing, the lst XV has registered its first
win against Uckfield by 40 points to 0. If this is any
indication, we should win all our first XV games as we did last
year. If so, it will give us a useful start towards the Games
Shield. Last year our third XI did not win a single match, either
at Soccer or Cricket. Perhaps this year there will be a
change.

To all members of the House who have left, we wish good luck
in their chosen careers, and especially to our captain, who is at
Oxford. We hope they will always remember the House in later
years.

With the end of the Summer Term comes the end of yet another
successful School Year for Seahaven. We have won the Games Shield
by holding the lead obtained in the Rugger and Soccer seasons,
and have been close runners-up in the Work Shield and the
Swimming Cup.

Cricket.
The three Cricket XIs seemed weaker than usual, but they enabled
us to carry off the Games Shield. The lst XI was narrowly
defeated by both Lewes and Uckfield, but gained an easy victory
over Martlets. The 2nd XI was beaten by Lewes and Martlets, but
managed to draw with Uckfield. Our 3rd XI was the most successful
team, beating Martlets and Uckfield, after losing to Lewes. Thus
in Cricket we gained seven points out of a possible eighteen.

Swimming.In the Swimming Sports, Lewes once again
proved too good for us,
although the margin of defeat this year was much less than in
former years. Ashburner was the outstanding swimmer in our House,
winning the Sinfield Trophy, awarded to the swimmer who gains
most points for his House. Turrell did well in the junior diving,
while Tomley obtained thirteen points for the House in the Colt
events.

Work
During the Summer Term our greatest improvement was in work, the
average number of points per boy rising by no less than
twenty-four during the term. If everybody in the House does just
a little more homework each night, I feel sure that our colours
wiil go up on the Work Shield next year ! We offer
congratulations to those members of the House who passed School
Certificate.

Rugger Outlook.
The loss of Walder will weaken our lst XV somewhat, but both the
1st XV and the 2nd XV have registered a victory in their first
match, and our hopes of again winning the Games Shield are high.
Thus Seahaven expects that, in the coming year, every member of
the House will do his duty, whether it be on the playing fields
or in work.

For the third consecutive year Uckfield House has won the
competition for the Work Shield, a performance, of which we can
be justly proud. Each fortnight during the Summer Term the
individual scores of each Member of the House, together with the
average per boy, was put on the House notice-board, and each time
we had the best average.

I am sure we are all very sorry to lose one of our House
Masters, Mr. Stevens, who has left the School to take up a new
post at Liverpool. In his place we are glad to welcome Mr.
Swinbank, who will be able to help us greatly with our Rugger and
Soccer.

Although we again finished in the fourth position for the
Games Shield, we may whisper among ourselves that we are
improving. Against all expectations we won two of our lst XI
Cricket matches. We beat both Seahaven and Lewes, the latter
match being particularly thrilling, since the Games Championship
depended upon the result. Although the 2nd and 3rd XIs were not
exactly brilliant, they helped to gain us a few points.

Once more, in the Swimming Sports, we were hopelessly
outclassed by Seahaven and Lewes. Next year, however, we hope to
improve on this performance, when we shall be able to make full
use of our new swimming bath.

We all offer our hearty congratulations to our new House
Captain, Hutton, who last term succeeded in passing the Oxford
Higher School Certificate Examination. Looking back upon our
performances at work and play we see that there is a lot of room
for improvement, so during the coming year, Uckfield, bend to
your task with a will and remember "Vouloir c'est pouvoir."

D. C. S.

HOUSE MATCHES

The following are the points results of the term's House cricket
matches :-

lst XI.
Lewes, beat Seahaven, lost to Martlets and Uckfield
Martlets, beat Lewes and Uckfield, lost to Seahaven
Seahaven, beat Martlets, lost to Lewes and Uckfield
Uckfield, beat Lewes and Seahaven, lost to Martlets

2nd XI.
Lewes, beat Seahaven and Uckfield, drew with Martlets
Martlets, beat Seahaven..and Uckfield, drew with Lewes
Seahaven, lost to Lewes and Martlets, drew with Uckfield
Uckfield, lost to Lewes and Martlets, drew with Seahaven

3rd XI.
Lewes won all three matches
Seahaven won two matches and lost one
Uckfield beat Martlets
Martlets lost all three matches

Points
2
4
2
4

5
5
1
1

6
4
2
0

CRICKET SEASON, 1935

The final summary of the results of our [1st XI] matches gives
: Won 4, Lost 5, Drawn 2. As one at least of the drawn games was
a moral defeat, the record is not one of our best. The chief
trouble was that our batting too often lacked any "sting in the
tail," as is evidenced by the fact that only two members of the
side achieved double figure averages ! However, the experience
gained by some of the newcomers should be invaluable next season,
as we may be fortunate enough to retain eight of this year's
eleven.

The "highlight" was undoubtedly provided by the return fixture
with Lewes Priory 2nd XI. Facing a formidable total of 131 for 3
wickets, we compiled 146 for 2 wickets to win the match and a
race "against the clock" in fine fashion, thanks largely to a
splendid innings of 60 not out by Renville. The reverse side of
the picture was the meagre total of 20 against Eastbourne over
which I hasten to draw a veil. The bowling as a whole lacked
aggression; too often it appeared the batsman must get himself
out or remain at the wicket all the afternoon. Variety of pace
was missing, but variety of "length" too patently apparent. When
will our bowlers learn that a "short" ball of whatever speed is a
good batsman's joy? Oh ! for one accurate fast bowler and one
spin bowler with the same blessing of good length ! The
"fielding" showed some improvement, but practice is required to
bring the "ground" work in this department up to standard.

We have a wicket-keeper in Gravett who shows promise and made
considerable progress in this often thankless position.

We bid farewell to Rutherford, who several times played a
captain's innings, batting with skill and determination in a
difficult position. He also carried off the bowling honours for
the season with White and Wynter in close attendance. "Behind the
scenes" he did the less spectacular duties attached to his
position with unfailing cheerfulness and reliability.

With a goodly proportion of last year's talent still
available, we look forward to a highly successful season in
1936.

Matches

Old Lewesians.
Played on Saturday, May 4th, at the School. The Old Boys went in
first and scored only 48. The School then replied with 65 for 5
wickets. For the School, White took 4 wickets for 10 runs and
Page 2 for 8 for the Old Boys.

Lancing College 3rd XI.
This match was played away at Lancing, and resulted in a heavy
defeat for the School. The School batted first and made 78 all
out (Renville 20, Peppercorn 4 for 16). Lancing then made 254 for
4. White was the only bowler to take any wickets. West made 101,
Underwood 68 (not out) and Halford 47 for Lancing.

Eastbourne Grammar School lst XI.
On the l6th of May we went to Eastbourne and met the Grammar
School lst XI. Eastbourne recorded an easy victory. Scores Lewes
20 (Perry 3 for l, Burrows 6 for 10), Eastbourne 59 (Wynter 4 for
13).

Shoreham Grammar School lst XI.
On the l8th of May the School was away at Shoreham. Shoreham went
in first and declared with the score at 61 for 8. Lewes then went
in to bat and scored 36 for 7 (Wynter 5 for 9), before stumps
were drawn.

Lewes Priory 2nd XI.
On the 25th May the School, assisted by several masters, was
beaten by the Priory 2nd XI in the Dripping Pan. Scores: Lewes
Priory 87 (Fielder 27, E. D. Griffiths 30), the School 53
(Lelliot 2 for 0, Hare 3 for 15).

Lewes Priory 2nd XI.
We played a return match on the School field on the 6th of June
with the Priory, and beat them. The Priory declared at 131 for 3
(E. Duffield 59 not out). The School then went in and made 146
for 2 (Renville 60 not out, Mr. Stevens 61 not out).

Seaford College 2nd XI.
Played on the 22nd at home, we recorded an easy victory. Scores:
Lewes 85 (Gibbons 27, Hamersley 3 for 6), Seaford College 36
(Wynter 4 for 4, White 3 for 6).

Seaford College 2nd XI.
On the 29th of June we were entertained by Seaford College 2nd XI
at Seaford. We batted first and declared at 136 for 6 (Rutherford
49 not out, Stone 34 not out). Seaford went in after tea and made
98 for 1 wicket (Ormsby 53, Vellacott 40 not out).

Worthing High School lst XI.
On the 6th of July we lost to Worthing High School on their
ground. Batting first we made 65 all out. Worthing then went in
and scored 110 all out (Smith 34, Chipp 31).

Bexhill County School lst XI.
This was the last match of the season and was lost. We played at
home and went in first, scoring 45. Bexhill then batted and made
89 all out.

THE PARENTS v. THE SCHOOL

JULY 13th

On the afternoon of Saturday, July l3th, the School 1st XI
played a team of parents. Unfortunately there were not enough
volunteers to give the 2nd XI a game as previously. The weather
was very fine and at about 2.45 p.m. the parents opened
their innings. At one time their score stood at 72 for 4 wickets,
when Mr. Renville had been caught by White after scoring 40.
After that wickets began to fall rather quickly and the whole
side was eventually out for 105. Rutherford bowled well, taking 6
wickets for 25.

The School side went in at about half-past five needing 106
runs to win, with only an hour and a half in which to get them.
Eventually they scored the winning run in the last over with 8
wickets down. It was a twelve-a-side match so that the School won
by three wickets.

SWIMMING NOTES 1935

Early this term the new swimming bath was finally completed.
It was officially opened on June lst by Alderman A. N. Innes.
Immediately the ceremony was over, eight boys, two from each
house, dived into the inviting waters and swam a length. In such
a way the Bath received its christening. Since then it has been
in constant use, particularly by the seniors, who in many cases
were not daunted by any kind of weather. This term a dressing
shed has been erected along the south side.

The general standard of swimming in the School has
considerably improved. On Friday, after four o'clock, Mr. Dolden
supervised a crawl class, while Mr. Tayler took a life-saving
class. We are pleased to hear that every member qualified for the
Intermediate Certificate and Bronze Medal of the Royal
Life-Saving Association.

On July 3lst were held the annual Swimming Sports. The races
and diving were much more hotly contested than in previous years,
for the margin of points between the winners and runners-up was
very small, whereas in previous years the competition for the
trophy has been almost a farce, as the result was virtually
decided before half of the races were over. This fact more than
justifies the building of the Bath, for one of the first
qualifications of an Englishman is that he should be able to
swim. Now, with our own Bath, there is no excuse at all for any
single boy not becoming familiar with water.

Lewes House won the Silver Challenge Trophy presented by
Alderman Innes and thus became champions for the third time. They
scored 79 points. Seahaven were second, with 73 points, Martlets
third with 46 points, and Uckfield fourth with 19 points. Major
T. Sinfield's Cup for the best individual performance was won by
G. Ashburner (Seahaven). Mr. Dolden very ably organized the
Sports, and other members of the Staff assisted.

THE SCHOOL FETE, 1935

This year the School Fete was held on Saturday, June lst.
Everyone, including the sun, worked hard to make this fete a
success. All the well-known amusements were again much enjoyed by
those who came. There was, in fact, never a dull moment during
the entire afternoon. Something was always going on either in the
field or in the School itself.

The great event of the afternoon was, of course, the opening
of the Swimming Bath by Alderman A. N. Innes at 3 o'clock. Many
of the spectators gathered around the enclosure envied the eight
boys who, after the opening speeches of Alderman Innes and the
Head Master, dived into the cool, clear waters of the new bath.
But further details of this will be found elsewhere in this
Magazine.

Among the more important features of the programme were a
gymnastic display, boxing, the obstacle race, ankle competition,
and the Ladies v. Gentlemen cricket match, which the latter won
easily. Tea was served during the afternoon and afterwards a
concert, arranged by Mr. Bowman, was held in the hall. It was
very successful, chiefly as a result of the exceptionally fine
singing and acting of some members of the Staff. Afterwards there
was a tug-of-war between the weaker (?) sex and the Remove Form
which resulted in the complete annihilation of the latter.
Perhaps they thought discretion the better part of valour.

In the evening the Head Master distributed the prizes won in
the different competitions. Amid much cheering he announced that
over £100 had been raised.

Even after this the proceedings were not over. Many stopped
behind either for the dance in the School Hall or for the Whist
Drive in the Gymnasium. Both dancers and those in the gymnasium
found a supper buffet very convenient. In the hall the Berkeley
Band supplied music to the dancers.

THE SILVER JUBILEE BEACON AT DITCHLING

During the Jubilee week-end the School Scouts co-operated with
the Falmer and Stanmer Group in building and guarding the beacon
at Ditchling. The wood, which we had collected in Stanmer Park
during the Easter holidays, was conveyed up to the Beacon in a
cart, lent by Mr. Noel, and a lorry, lent by Mr. Ray. On
Saturday, May 4th, we pitched our camp on Ditchling Beacon, a
very exposed site. Luckily there was scarcely any wind at all
during the time we were up there, and, apart from having to wash
in a none-too-clean sheep-pond, we spent a most enjoyable
week-end.

The work of building the fire was commenced immediately under
Mr. Ketchell's expert supervision. First of all a tripod, about
twenty-five feet high, was erected, and then the wood was piled
up round it. We were hard at work Saturday afternoon and all day
Sunday. Monday morning was spent in putting the finishing touches
to the beacon. At last it was completed and several gallons of
oil were poured over it. On Saturday and Sunday night we guarded
it in case any attempts should be made to set it alight before
the appointed time. This precaution was doubly necessary as a
gang of gipsies were camping not far away.

Towards nine o'clock on the Monday night, a huge crowd started to
assemble. The Ditchling Fire Brigade was present, but was not,
however, needed. Then, on the stroke of ten, Mr. Ketchell sent
our signal-rocket up and the beacon was lit. As the flames rose,
the National Anthem was sung and loud cheers went up from the
vast crowd, imbued with patriotic enthusiasm. From our
vantage-point we could see the flames of many other beacons
stabbing the darkness. As one watched those twinkling points of
fire it seemed strange that where they had once "streamed in
crimson" to warn the country of an approaching enemy, they now
burnt for a very different purpose, to express the loyal tribute
of the nation to King George. We all felt that it was something
to have done our share on such a memorable occasion.

A. Evans (VI).

A SCHOOL HIKE

At the end of the Summer Term the Head Master was very
surprised to find that some junior members of the School had
never been on the Downs. He therefore decided to leave "the daily
round, the common task," and spend the day on the Downs. Thus, on
Friday, July 26th, the whole School brought their lunch, and
prepared for an enjoyable day.

There were two routes, the junior and the senior, and these
were so arranged that they should meet at Black Cap. We left the
School soon after ten o'clock, and started off in grand style.
The seniors made their way up Southover High Street, and so on to
the Downs, while the juniors followed a different direction. By
the time the Downs were reached the hot sun had begun to take
effect, and the column had become rather longer than at first. We
passed over Kingston Ridge and ascended a rather steep hill at
the top of which everyone had a short rest. Continuing our tramp
we passed near Newmarket Copse and on reaching the main road,
descended into the village of Falmer. Once more we halted in the
shade of the trees by Falmer pond, and numerous bottles made
their appearance as everyone tried to quench the thirst caused by
the heat and the dust. Owing to the drought, Falmer pond was not
at its best, and the swans and their cygnets looked rather
unhappy. The village pump worked overtime for a short while, and
then we left the village behind us for the more open country.
Leaving the main subject, it might be said that some ice-cream
vendor, who had left his barrow for a short while, might have
sold his entire stock if he had stayed at his post.

We passed through Balmer farm, and after following a hill
track for about an hour, arrived at the pre-arranged
meeting-place, Black Cap. Both sections arrived here
simultaneously and all sat down to enjoy lunch in the shade of
the trees. Lunch finished, permission was given for the party to
break up and proceed slowly towards Lewes raceeourse. Here we
once again joined forees and returned to School. After this long
walk a swim in the baths was very welcome, and so many wanted to
swim that it was practically impossible to do so.

THE SCHOOL CAMP

LEWES COUNTY SCHOOL PUPILS ON HOLIDAY
IN GERMANY

IMPRESSIONS OF A MEMORABLE TWO WEEKS IN CAMP

This year a party of forty-three went to Oberwesel, Germany,
for a fortnight. Oberwesel is a picturesque walled town situated
on the most beautiful part of the Rhine gorge. The party left on
August 1st, going by the Dover-Ostend route and thence via
Brussels, Louvain, Liege and Cologne.

The camp site was a field on the river bank, beneath a cliff
on which stood the ruins of the twelfth century Schloss
Schonburg, formerly the home of Marshall Schonburg, who went to
England with William of Orange and was killed at the Battle of
the Boyne in 1690.

The Rhine at this point is only 200 yards wide, a giant
compared with English rivers but a mere stream in comparison with
its majestic width of half a mile before it enters the gorge.
Alongside the camp was the town sports ground. Such grounds are
now common to even the small towns of Germany. At Oberwesel a
running track surrounds the football pitch, and at the end of the
ground are pits for jumping, pole vaulting and putting the shot.
Throwing the discus and the javelin are also practised with some
skill even in so small a place as Oberwesel, and it was easy to
see why Britain cuts so poor a figure in field events in
international sports meetings.

UNION JACK AND SWASTIKA

The journey from Lewes to Oberwesel occupied nearly
twenty-four hours, and although the sea was kind, the school
party arrived at mid-day tired out by the scorching heat. Even
the sight of the Union Jack, which our hosts were flying side by
side with the Swastika at the entrance to our field, only raised
a mild interest, and we were glad, after erecting our tents, to
crawl inside and enjoy an afternoon sleep. The silence of the
camp was broken only by the protests of an army of grasshoppers,
brown fellows about an inch long, which hitherto had had the
field to themselves.

The worst effects of the journey had worn off by tea-time, and
a brew of hot tea livened up everybody. We found German bread,
with its large proportion of rye flour, very satisfying, and the
hungry youth who had been accustomed to keep our automatic bread
slicer working merrily in past camps sank into obscurity.

The sun set early behind the hills that lined the gorge and
the cool of the evening invited hard work. A camp kitchen had to
be constructed, a rubbish pit and latrines dug, but by bedtime
all was finished, and we were able to retire with everything
shipshape. Most of the campers that night were able to enjoy the
sleep of the weary and make up for forty-eight hours out of
bed.

Morning brought a fascinating scene. One rose while mist still
shimmered over the river and the sun struggled to gain the
mastery. Precipitous slopes, terraced and covered with vines,
came down to the water's edge. Large tugs from time to time
struggled slowly past the camp as they dragged heavily laden
barges up stream. Round the bend down stream rose the Lorelei
Rock, and a couple of miles up the river was the Pfalz, a
medieval stronghold in midstream, formerly used to collect tolls
from all river traffic. Here we were able to wander down to the
water each morning and make our ablutions in the river, while
breakfast sizzled over the camp fire.

THE RIVER CARNIVAL

When we arrived, Oberwesel was agog with preparations for its
annual river carnival, and the place was bedecked with the
Swastika and national flags. The principal Nazi newspaper
reported that we had come from Sussex to take part in these
celebrations. Proceedings began on Saturday night with a
procession round the town of all organizations, and in which we
were invited to join. At 7 a.m. on Sunday morning three shots
from a barge on the river proclaimed that the celebrations
continued. A choir of German boys immediately sang in harmony a
part song, which was so effective in the still morning air that
we were resolved about one thing : we would not be lured into
singing in public as we were in France two years previously.

In the afternoon a crowd of about five thousand people
collected to witness the principal proceedings. Speeches lasting
about forty minutes were first relayed to all present by loud
speakers. We were greeted as "honoured English guests," and told
that "the great mission in civilization of the European nations
will and must unite our two peoples. And thus I greet you,
honoured guests from England," said the speaker, "and wish you
pleasant hours here at a popular festival on the beautiful German
Rhine."

Of the events that followed, the most interesting were a
procession of boats, each illustrating a stage in the development
of Oberwesel, and a tilting match of medieval origin.

In the procession of boats we noticed a crew of Norse heroes,
all of whom had heard of the swastika as an emblem for their
shields, a boat carrying the legendary Rhine maidens who sang to
us as they passed, and a boat-load of jovial wine merehants in
medieval costume, who made merry round a huge cask of Rhine wine.
In the tilting match, the combatants stood in the bows of
opposing boats and tried to thrust each other into the water by
means of long poles.

At night the principal buildings were floodlit with red
flares. In some ways these are more effective than electric
light, though they last a comparatively short time. The castle on
the cliff, swathed in red light and drifts of smoke, was a
magniflcent sight. From the blackness of the river twinkled the
lights of a steamer whose passengerS had come to see the
illuminations. Dancing and drinking then followed in a large
marquee. The camp was fast asleep before these festivities came
to an end.

At Oberwesel lives Herr Fischer, important National Socialist
and principal grower of Rhine wine. At his old house, full of
antiques and family heirlooms, had been entertained the British
Legion when they visited Germany recently. The same hospitality
was extended to us. We explored his fascinating house, we entered
his marvellous cellars where were some vats holding 3,000 gallons
of wine, we toasted Herr Hitler and King George, and we left with
bottles of his choicest vintage.

TRIP TO WIESBADEN

We were not able, nor did we wish, to resist the call to
explore the river. From the camp we had watched its busy life and
the pleasure steamers full of gaiety, with bands and dancing on
board. One day we went to aristocratic Wiesbaden and there drank
the waters. Most of us prefer lemonade. The journey back by
steamer will ever be remembered. Here was a Rhine entirely
different from that of the gorge where we were camping; a
majestically wide stream of placid flow, where islands mirror.
their trees in the shining surface, and German youths with
bronzed bodies disport themselves all day in the water or skim
across in frail canoes. Coblenz, with tree shaded terraces on the
river front, proved equally attractive. We were able to climb to
the Emperor William monument and gaze at the impressive junction
of Rhine and Moselle, while across the river on a height we faced
the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein.

At St. Goar, scene of another expedition, we explored the
ruins of the Rheinfels, one of the largest castles of the Rhine.
We shall not forget the underground tunnel where we crawled on
"all fours," carefully gripping the person in front so as not to
lose touch in the pitch blackness. Nor shall we forget the
feeling of dismay when the human chain broke and half of us, left
without a guide, were compelled to turn round and retrace our
steps until a welcome shaft of light told us that we had regained
the entrance.

Then followed a trip to Bingen, an important riverside port,
while a further expedition was to the Lorelei itself. We
clambered to the top and were able to look dovm upon the wondrous
panorama of river, gorge and tableland, but we did not see the
beauteous maiden whose song is supposed to have enticed sailors
and fishermen to their doom. Perhaps it was fitting that when we
arrived at the ferry on the journey back to camp eleven of the
party should be missing. Thls led to a master accompanied by a
boy going back and searching for the truants among the
precipitous slopes and paths of a valley. How a fruitless and
weary search was made until darkness had fallen, and how resort
was had to a wayside cottage where the German occupant welcomed
the two strangers and made them partake of a meal of rye bread,
bacon, cheese and wine will best be remembered by the principal
actors. The truants were already back in camp.

GERMAN MARINE YOUTH

Meanwhile our camp had been a place of interest to the people
of the locality, especially to the small boys. Friendly relations
had been established, and after the carnival held at the
beginning of our stay, the Marine section of the Hitler Youth,
who had come down in their smart naval uniform from Cologne to
take part, visited the camp and expressed their wish to make
friends with the English schoolboys. The result was an exodus to
the river, where the bigger Lewes boys were soon being coached by
the Germans in the painful art of rowing the rather heavy boats
with which the Marine Youth are equipped.

There followed, too, the almost inevitable challenge from
Oberwesel boys to a football match. As skill in football had not
been made a qualification for membership of the camping party we
regarded the coming contest with certain qualms. Moreover, we had
not forgotten the unpleasantness that has sometimes marked
international matches against Continental opponents in England.
Our fears were unnecessary. The game was played in a broiling sun
on a hard-baked ground. The Germans wore only bathing shorts, and
our lads were dressed in their camp khaki. Our opponents were
slightly heavier and much more even in age and size. The match
was an excellent one, and Lewes put up a first-class show. We
lost, two goals to nil, but in view of the conditions under which
the game was played we did not mind. We were not able to teach
our opponents anything in the way of sportsmanship. A penalty was
given against us for accidental hands, but the German who took it
merely tapped the ball to our goalkeeper. Next night some German
lads joined us at a camp fire and again showed, us their
accomplishments as vocalists.

Our visit was now drawing to an end. Before we departed the
burgomaster invited the staff to spend the evening at his
beautiful house with its balcony overlooking the Rhine. There we
drank loyal toasts while the Mayor, who had a pleasant singing
voice, entertained us with songs.

LETTER OF FAREWELL

On our departure he presented us with the following letter : "To
the Lewes County School for Boys on the occasion of their visit
to Oberwesel. After a stay of two weeks in our old town you are
returning to-day to your English home. The town council and
citizens of Oberwesel would like to take this opporutnity of
bidding you a hearty farewell. We have learned with great
pleasure that both masters and scholars have enjoyed themselves
beside the German Rhine, and hope that they may preserve their
holiday in Germany in pleasant remembrance. We hope, moreover,
that your visit has contributed to promoting and emphasizing the
mutual understanding between Great Britain and Germany. We would
rejoice heartily if the friendly relations engendered between you
and the old Rhenish town of Oberwesel should have indeed
permanence stretching beyond the days of your stay here. With
German greetings, Heil Hitler ! Dr. Ottendorff, Mayor."

So ended a most successful and enjoyable camp.

A VISIT TO THE ZOO

On Friday, the 26th of July, the annual party of about
thirty-eight boys accompanied Mr. Bowman to the London Zoological
Gardens. We caught the 8.68 a.m. train to Victoria. From there we
went by Underground to Regent's Park Station, and thence through
the Park to the Zoo. We saw several very tame squirrels on our
way through the Park, one of which kept still long enough to
allow his photograph to be taken. We arrived at the Zoological
Gardens at eleven o'clock.

The first object of interest was "Jack," the chimpanzee.
Although he has been in the Gardens for nine years, Jack highly
resents being watched by people, and causes much amusement among
visitors by his antics of fury. We were lucky enough to witness
the chimpanzee "Boo-Boo" with her baby "Jubilee," having their
photos taken. We then went past the reptile rock-garden, where
hardy European reptiles such as green lizards, grass snakes, and
glass "snakes" (really legless lizards) can live all the summer
under almost perfectly natural conditions. In the reptile house
itself, we saw the crocodiles, looking very still and sly, the
huge snakes, coiled up within their dens, and also numerous small
lizards, including the quaint little geckoes, who possess
adhesive pads on their feet which permit them to run with ease on
a vertical piece of glass. After coming out of the reptile house
we had lunch near a subway.

Having refreshed ourselves we proceeded into the aquarium.
Here, besides the fish, were the little sea-horses, and also
various aquatic amphibians such as Sligo's salamander, and the
Mexican axolotl, which is a salamander tadpole that does not
metamorphose. Here, too, was the tidal rock-pool, where an
artificial tide ebbs and flows at regular intervals. In the pool
dwell shrimps and prawns.

In the elephant house we witnessed the huge, but very docile,
friends of man. Other items of interest were the quaint penguins,
and also the various insects and other invertebrates. At four
o'clock we made our way to the lion house. The lions were getting
impatient for their food, and when it arrived they pounced on it
eagerly.

We left the Zoo after having witnessed the feeding af the
lions. We went by Underground to Oxford Circus, and walked along
Regent Street to tne Strand Corner House, where we had a
delightful tea consisting of fish and chips, followed by bread
and butter and cakes. We walked via St. James's Park and the
Serpentine to Buckingham Palace, and on to Victoria Station. We
arrived in Lewes at ten minutes to eight, rather tired, but
thankful to Mr. Bowman for the glorious outing we had had.

W. G. Ruffle (Vb).

A REVERIE

When I am old and by the fireside dream,
I shall remember other days and seem
To live again the pageant of my youth,
When life was full of happiness and truth.

I shall remember days spent in the air,
Upon the sun-drenched Downs without a care,
And hear again the wind sing in the wheat
And the sudden rush of a rabbit's feet.

Once more I'll wander through deep-tunnelled lanes
And shelter in the dim green light from summer rains,
Or with my dog hunt down the riverside
For water rats that slip into the tide.

When I am old - but best live for to-day,
And think not of to-morrow's shadowy way
When happy yesterday will be a dream,
Dead as a drifting leaf upon a stream.

J. Towner (VI).

EXAMINATION SUCCESSES 1935

We congratulate the following on their success in external
examinations :-

OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION

Hon. Treasurer :
T. A. HAYWARD, 66 Malling Street, Lewes.

After a fairly successful Cricket season the Old Boys'
Association is now embarking upon, what we hope to be, a very
successful Football Season.

During the Summer of 1935 the Cricket Club held their own
against such teams as Uckfield and Newhaven.

After an exciting match we managed to draw with Uckfield,
while we only lost to Newhaven II by the narrow margin of 5 runs.
Of the 10 matches played, 4 were won, 4 were lost and 2 were
drawn. Cook headed the batting averages, and Wicks proved to be
the most successful bowler. We hope that next season all Old Boys
who possibly can will give the Cricket Club their support, and
will try to make the next season a more successful one than
ever.

The Old Boys' Football Club have commenced another season by
joining Division II of the Lewes and District League. We have
started the season very well gaining 5 points out of a possible
8, all matches having been played away. We are also taking part
in the Lewes Charity Cup Competition. We would like to take this
opportumty of thanking Mr. Bradshaw and the Governors of the
School for allowing us to play all our home matches at the
School.

The Old Boys' Dinner, which took place on Octoher 5th, at
Holloway's Restaurant, followed by the Annual General Meeting,
was very well attended. About 50 Old Boys were present, many of
whom had travelled considerable distances to attend the
function.

We were glad to see Barker and Pollard present, who had come
down especially for the Dinner from Southampton and Chatham
respectively.

At the meeting which followed, Mr. Bradshaw took the Chair,
and the following officers were elected for the coming year
:-
Mr. Edgar Povey was unanimously elected as President of the
Association in place of the late Lt.-Col. Sutherland-Harris. We
consider ourselves most fortunate in possessing such an energetic
and hard-working President as Mr. Povey. Mr. N. R. Bradshaw
kindly agreed to act as our Chairman for a further year, and C.
F. Hall was elected Secretary of the Association in place of E.
L. Cook, resigned.

Mr. D. Jarvis consented to fill the post of Assistant
Secretary and was thanked for his past services, and Hayward was
re-elected Treasurer.

The following were elected on the Committee :- Messrs.
Wickham, Robson, Green (R. S.), Page, Sharp and the Chairman,
Secretary and Treasurer ex-officio.

It was also proposed that a correspondent member be elected
for each year, in order to advise members who left School the
same year as himself, of all Old Boys' Functions. Bartholomew was
elected correspondent for members leaving at the end of Summer
Term 1935. A set of rules for the Careers Fund (details of which
were in the last issue of "The Barbican") was drawn up and
approved by members present. A Committee was elected to deal with
this fund.

A very enjoyable evening was brought to a close with a short
(but nevertheless loud and harmonious, in parts) singsong, with
the able assistance of Mr. O'Brien at the piano.

In conclusion, we would like to extend a hearty invitation to
all Old Boys, to attend the Social Evenings, the first of which
will be started very soon. As the success of these functions
depends largely upon the number present, we hope that all Old
Boys will make a special effort to attend them during the coming
winter, and so help to make them a bigger success than
ever.

C.F.H.

HERE AND THERE

We are all pleased to hear that R. Fairfield is doing very
well in the Navy and is at present with the fleet, off Egypt. R.
E. Brown and Kearley are both distinguishing themselves in the
boxing ring for their Companies in the Army, while Coxon
represents his Section in the sphere of cross-country running. We
all wish J. A. Barnes the best of luck in his new position in a
Bank at Eastbourne, and the same to K. S. Beale, who has acquired
a situation in the Chailey R.D.C. Offices.

We are sure that the School will join us in congratulating
both Hazlerigg and Rutherford (the first and latest captains of
the School) and wishing them good luck in their new positions.
Hazlerigg has obtamed a commission in the West Indies
Constabulary, and Rutherford has successfully gained admission to
Oxford University, where he recently took part in the Freshmens'
Rugger Trial. W. R. Jessop has obtained a situation in the
Haywards Heath Gas Works.

C.F.H.

The following is an extract from a letter from R. E. Brown in.
the Royal Air Force :-

"Life at Cranwell is very interesting, and I have never
regretted joining up. I will try to tell you some of the work we
do here.
For the first two years, we do a certain amount of General
Education, which consists of Maths., Science, History, Geography,
English and Drawing. It is very similar to School v~~ork, but not
so much of it.

We have to send and receive Morse at twenty-five words a
minute, and also do Semaphore, and lamp signalling. Our Workshop
course consists chiefly of lathe work, and the jobs we make are
wireless or electrical components.

Our wireless course covers everything concerning transmitters
and receivers, and we have to be able to operate radio sets in
the air. Of course we all think this is the best part of our
programme, as we fly every day for three weeks, although when my
class was on, we had very bad weather.

There are opportunities here for nearly every kind of sport. I
am very glad I learnt something about rugger at School, as it is
an important game in the Service.

From what my pals say I don't think there are many Schools
with such good sports facilities as Lewes. Most Schools play one
summer and one winter game, and have nobody to coach them. I have
done some boxing, and am now training for the command tug-of-war
team, to compete in the R.A.F. Championships at Uxbridge next
month.

As a result of the expansion scheme, this School is probably
to be trebled, but I don't think it will be possible, unless a
lot of building is done. It is already nearly twice the size it
was when I joined up, and there are now two squadrons of
apprentices instead of one."